Why Ritz-Carlton is good for getaway

A Deluxe Room with balcony / Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton, Seoul

By Kim Se-jeong

Here are four reasons why the Urban Getaway package at the Ritz-Carlton, Seoul is good for Seoul residents who feel they need a break from their busy lives.

1. Tranquility

The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul is located in the busiest district in Seoul. But your room is noise-free. You become deaf to the disturbing sounds from traffic, shops and people as you enter the room. Thick window sets manufactured by local company Eagon make this possible. Two layers of curtains also keep you from light pollution when you are in bed.

The brunch tray

2. Balcony

The balcony is what distinguishes this package from others. In fact, it is a defining feature for the Ritz-Carlton, Seoul, which has 21 Deluxe Rooms with balconies. The 32-square-meter space is open and houses one table, two chairs and deckchairs. This can be a good place for a glass of wine or a bottle of beer with your partner in the evening.

On a rainy day, it is not much in use. This reporter couldn’t get to use it because of rain. Hotel staff said the balcony is popular among guests who want to have small parties with friends and family.

But, unlike in your room, you’re exposed to all the noise on the balcony.

A blueberry parfait

3. Brunch in your room and warm service

Have you ever missed hotel breakfast because you woke up too late? With the Urban Getaway package, brunch is served in your own room at the time of your preference. When you check in, you will probably be asked what time it should be served. Check-out time is noon, and any time before that is ok.

The brunch tray is huge, filled with lentil and Greek salad plates, fried eggs wrapped in white toasted bread with thin pieces of chicken breasts and parsley leaves, a breakfast parfait using cream cheese instead of ice cream with toppings of blueberries, strawberries, chocolate sticks and macaroons, assorted fruits and vegetables, a bag of wheat and cuttlefish ink bread with different jellies and butter, and drinks of coffee, tomato and orange juices.

The pilates class.

You must call the kitchen after the meal so that the hotel staff will pick up the tray, but there is another reason you are highly recommended to do it. When you call, the person on the other line calls you by name, which gives you an extremely warm feeling.

4. Exercise

A swimming pool and a gym are available. The Urban Getaway package offers you either Pilates or Yoga classes ― you choose one when you check in. Whether you’re new to Yoga or not, you feel encouraged and welcomed by the instructor and other guests.

At the check-out desk, you’ll receive a random, gift ― a bar soap, a skin product or a bottle of cooking oil. They are made by Botanicus spol. s.r.o, a Czech company based in Ostra in the central Czech Republic. The company also manufactures make-up products, detergents and perfumes among others.

The package is available until Nov. 30, and the cost is from 320,000 won.

The author’s advice:

A weekend is better than weekdays as check-in is at 3 p.m. Bring your bathing suit. If possible, avoid a rainy day.

Urban Getaway package

One-night stay in a Deluxe Room

Brunch serving two as room service

Yoga or Pilates for two

A gift of an organic product made by Botanicus spol. s.r.o based in the Czech Republic